Adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord

ABSTRACT

An adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord is provided. The adjuster comprises a t-component having a sliding member and a cross member that are integrally formed to form, at least, a first angle. In response to an application of force, the t-component is adapted to move from a first position to a second position, which increases the first angle. The adjuster also comprises a channel body that has a recessed cavity that is adapted to receive the cross member when the t-component is moved from the first position to the second position. The channel body further comprises a sliding channel, where the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel. A first guide channel extending from a first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel is also a component of the channel body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/033,915, filed Aug. 6, 2014, entitled “Adjuster For Adjusting ALength of A Cord,” the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to adjustably securing acord-like structure.

BACKGROUND

Cords have traditionally been used, in conjunction with an adjustmentmechanism, as a way to adjust a hem, such as to loosen or tighten, forexample, an opening in a garment (e.g., ankle opening in a pair ofpants, a waist opening in a jacket or coat). However, when the cord iscinched around the opening to tighten the fit around the wearer, theexcess cord pulled through the mechanism may flop around and can get inthe way of the wearer of the apparel.

SUMMARY

Aspects generally relate to an adjuster for adjusting the length of acord extending through an opening, such as a hem. A cord, as usedherein, may refer to a length of any material, where the length of thecord extending through the opening can be adjusted. For instance, a cordmay include a string, thread, yarn, rope, drawstring, filament, wire,cable, a combination thereof, or the like. The adjuster may comprise,generally, a t-component and a channel body. The t-component, inresponse to an application of force, may be moved from a first positionto a second position. While the t-component is in the first position, acord that extends through the adjuster may be locked in place relativeto the adjuster so that the cord is resistant to movement through theadjuster. When, however, the t-component is in the second position, asubstantially continuous channel is formed such that the cord may bemoved in either lateral direction relative to the adjuster, thusallowing for an opening (e.g., a pant leg hem, a waist hem, a backpackstrap) or any other adjustable structure to be adjusted.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative aspects hereof are described in detail below with referenceto the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by referenceherein and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an adjuster for adjusting a lengthof a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of the adjuster of FIG. 1 alongcutline 2-2, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having at-component in a first position, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having at-component in a transitional position, in accordance with an aspecthereof;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having at-component in a second position, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of an adjuster for adjusting a length ofa cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 7 depicts a side elevational view of an adjuster for adjusting alength of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof; and

FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster for adjusting alength of a cord and a diameter of an illustrative circle formed using across member of a t-component, in accordance with an aspect hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of aspects hereof is described with specificityherein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itselfis not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventorshave contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodiedin other ways, to include different steps or combinations of stepssimilar to the ones described in this document, or to include adifferent combination of components, in conjunction with other presentor future technologies.

Aspects hereof relate to an adjuster for adjusting the length of a cordthat extends around an opening. A cord, as used herein, may refer to alength of any material, where the length can be adjusted. For instance,a cord may include a string, thread, yarn, rope, drawstring, filament,lacing, wire, cable, a combination thereof, or the like. The cord couldbe made from any material suitable for use with the adjuster, such as,for example, rubber, plastic, metal, cotton, nylon, wool, polyester,leather, etc. A cord to be adjusted may be used in various industries,such as apparel, article of footwear, backpacks, to-be-worn equipment,electronics, etc. In aspects, the cord is flexible such that the shapeof the cord can be manipulated by way of the adjuster, as furtherdescribed herein. For exemplary purposes only, the cord may be anelastic cord that extends through the hem of a pant leg so that theankle opening around the ankle of the wearer of the pants may beadjusted to be loosened or tightened relative to a portion of the wearerextending therethrough. Another example is a cord that extends through ahem at the waist opening of a jacket, coat, or pant so that the waistopening can be loosened or tightened relative to the torso of the wearerextending therethrough. Similarly, for example, the cord may be a strapon a backpack or other wearable item so that the length of the strap maybe adjusted according to the wearer's specifications.

In aspects, the adjuster generally comprises a t-component and a channelbody. The t-component and the channel body, in one aspect, are made fromthe same material, but in an alternative aspect, they may be made fromdifferent materials. For instance, one or both of the t-component andthe channel body could be made from a polymer-based material (e.g.,plastic material), rubber, etc. As will be described herein, thet-component may be at least somewhat flexible to allow the t-componentto move from a first position to a second position. In particular, across member of the t-component, when force is applied, may change shapefrom a convex position toward a concave position, and then from theconcave position to the convex position. As such, the choice of materialfor at least the t-component, and the cross member in particular, may bedependent upon the flexibility and resilience desired.

As mentioned, the t-component is capable of being moved from a firstposition to a second position, where, in aspects, the t-component in thefirst position does not allow a cord to move relative to the adjuster(e.g., limits lateral sliding motion of the cord relative to theadjuster), but in the second position, the cord is able to move in oneor more lateral directions with less force required to accomplish themovement relative to the force required with t-component in the firstposition. The t-component generally includes a sliding member and across member. To move the t-component from the first position to thesecond position, an application of force may be applied to a top surfaceof the cross member in a direction substantially parallel with movementof the sliding member. The sliding member includes a pass-throughchannel that allows the cord to pass from a first guide channel of thechannel body to a second guide channel of the channel body. When thet-component is in the first position, the cord may become crimped inlocations on the cord where the cord moves between the first guidechannel and the pass-through channel, and between the pass-throughchannel and the second guide channel, hereinafter referred to as a firstcrimp cavity and a second crimp cavity, respectively.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an adjusterthat allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord. The adjustercomprises a t-component that has a sliding member. The sliding memberhas a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and abottom surface and an opposite top end. The sliding member alsocomprises a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an oppositetop surface. In addition to the sliding member, the t-component also hasa cross member, where the cross member has a top surface and an oppositebottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite secondengaging surface. The top end of the sliding member is integrally formedwith the bottom surface of the cross member forming a first anglebetween the sliding member and the cross member. The t-component isadapted to increase the first angle in response to an application offorce in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of slidingmotion of the sliding member from a first position to a second position.The adjuster also includes a channel body having a first side surfaceand an opposite second side surface, a top surface and an oppositebottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the crossmember. The recessed cavity extends from the top surface of the channelbody toward the bottom surface of the channel body. The channel bodycomprises a sliding channel having a first side surface and a secondside surface. A distance between the first side surface and the secondside surface of the sliding channel is greater than a distance betweenthe first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding membersuch that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel bodywithin the sliding channel. The bottom surface of the sliding member ispositionable to be closer to the bottom surface of the channel body whenthe t-component is in the second position than when the t-component isin the first position. The channel body also includes a first guidechannel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The firstguide channel extends from the first side surface of the channel body tothe sliding channel.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an adjuster thatallows for an adjustment to a length of a cord. The adjuster comprises at-component, which has a sliding member that has a first side surfaceand an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and anopposite top end. The sliding member comprises a pass-through channelhaving a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The t-componentalso has a cross member, which has a top surface and an opposite bottomsurface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engagingsurface. The top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with thebottom surface of the cross member. The t-component is adaptable to bemoved from a first position to a second position in response to anapplication of force in a direction substantially parallel with adirection of sliding motion of the sliding member. The first engagingsurface and the second engaging surface are adaptable to move from afirst position corresponding to the first position of the t-component toa second position corresponding to the second position of thet-component. Further, the first engaging surface and the second engagingsurface are closer to the sliding member when the t-component is in thefirst position than when the t-component is in the second position. Theadjuster also comprises a channel body, which has a first side surfaceand an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface.The channel body includes a sliding channel having a first side surfaceand a second side surface. The distance between the first side surfaceand the second side surface of the sliding channel is greater than adistance between the first side surface and the second side surface ofthe sliding member, thus allowing the sliding member to be slidablyengaged with the channel body within the sliding channel. The bottomsurface of the sliding member is positioned closer to the bottom surfaceof the channel body when the t-component is in the second position thanwhen the t-component is in the first position. The channel body also hasa first guide channel, where the first guide channel has a top surfaceand an opposite bottom surface. The first guide channel extends from thefirst side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

A third aspect hereof provides an adjuster that allows for an adjustmentto a length of a cord. The adjuster includes a t-component, where thet-component comprises a sliding member. The sliding member has a firstside surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surfaceand an opposite top end. Additionally, the sliding member comprises apass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite topsurface. The t-component also includes a cross member, where the crossmember has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and a firstengaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface. The top end ofthe sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of thecross member. The t-component is adaptable to be moved from a firstposition to a second position in response to an application of force ina direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion ofthe sliding member. The cross member is convexly shaped when thet-component is in the first position and is adapted to be concavelyshaped when the t-component is in the second position. The adjusterfurther includes a channel body that has a first side surface and anopposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, inaddition to a recessed cavity that is adapted to receive the crossmember. The recessed cavity extends from the top surface of the channelbody toward the bottom surface of the channel body. The channel bodycomprises a sliding channel having a first side surface and a secondside surface, where a distance between the first side surface and thesecond side surface of the sliding channel is greater than a distancebetween the first side surface and the second side surface of thesliding member, allowing for the sliding member to be slidably engagedwith the channel body within the sliding channel. The bottom surface ofthe sliding member is positioned closer to the bottom surface of thechannel body when the t-component is in the second position than whenthe t-component is in the first position. The channel body alsocomprises a first guide channel having a top surface and an oppositebottom surface. The first guide channel extends from the first sidesurface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an adjuster 100 for adjusting alength of a cord is depicted, in accordance with an aspect hereof. Theadjuster generally comprises a t-component 200 and a channel body 300.The t-component comprises a sliding member 202 and a cross member 220.As shown in FIG. 1, the sliding member 202 has a top end 210. The topend 210 of the sliding member 202 may be integrally formed with thecross member 220, as will be described in further detail herein. Thesliding member 202 and the cross member 220 also have other features,which will be discussed in more detail herein with respect to, at least,FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the cross member 220 is curved in adirection extending from one side of the cross member 220 to the other.

The t-component 200 is capable of being moved from a first position to asecond position in response to an application of force in a directionsubstantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the slidingmember 202. For example, at least a substantial portion of the crossmember 220 of the t-component 200 may be positioned outside theboundaries of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in thefirst position, but at least a substantial portion of the cross member220 may be positioned within a recessed cavity 310 of the channel body300 when the t-component 200 is in a second position, as shown by item256 in FIG. 5. This extension of the cross member 220 outside theboundaries of the channel body 300 may allow for easier engagement by awearer to cause the deflection of the cross member 220 upon anapplication of force, in an exemplary aspect. In one aspect, the crossmember 220 of the t-component 200 is curved. For example, when thet-component 200 is in the first position, the cross member 220 may beconvexly shaped. In this aspect, the cross member 220 is positionable tobe concavely shaped when in the second position. While the cross member220 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as having a curved shape, otherconfigurations are also contemplated to be within the scope of aspectshereof. The curved shape of the cross member 220, as illustrated in thefigures herein, may be selected based upon the desired rate of reboundof the t-component 200 when returning from the second position to thefirst position, on the desired tensile strength of the t-component 200,etc. The curvature of the cross member 220 provides a spring-likereaction to a wearer-applied force, which is effective for crimping thecord for purposes of limiting the ability of the cord to slidetherethrough, in an exemplary aspect.

The channel body 300 comprises a second side surface 304 and a topsurface 306. The channel body 300 also comprises other features, whichwill be shown in, at least, FIG. 2. As shown, a second guide channel 340extends from the second side surface 304 into a portion of the channelbody 300. In aspects, a cord is inserted through a first guide channel330, through a pass-through channel 212 of the sliding member 202 of thet-component 200, and through the second guide channel 340. The abilityof the t-component 200 to move from the first position to the secondposition allows a cord to be moved in a direction through the adjuster100 so that a corresponding opening, such as an ankle opening, waistopening, backpack strap, or the like, can be adjusted to have atightening or loosening effect. For instance, the adjuster and cord maybe positioned on an ankle opening on a pair of pants. The wearer of thepants may desire for the ankle opening to be looser or tighter. Theadjuster allows the user to make the adjustment by applying force on thet-component 200 to move the t-component 200 from a first position to asecond position.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of the adjuster 100 of FIG. 1along cut line 2-2, the adjuster 100 for adjusting a length of a cord,in accordance with an aspect hereof. FIG. 2 illustrates two componentsof the adjuster 100, those being the t-component 200 and the channelbody 300. The t-component 200 comprises a sliding member 202 and a crossmember 220. The sliding member 202 generally comprises a first sidesurface 204 and a second side surface 206, in addition to a bottomsurface 208 and a top end 210. The sliding member 202 also comprises apass-through channel 212 that allows a cord to pass through from thefirst side surface 204 to the second side surface 206 of the slidingmember 202. The pass-through channel 212 comprises a bottom surface 214and a top surface 216. The sides 204 and 206 of the sliding member 202are at least partially open, thus allowing for the cord to pass through.

The cross member 220 of the t-component 200 comprises a top surface 222,a bottom surface 224, and a first engaging surface 226 and a secondengaging surface 234. The first engaging surface 226 comprises a bottomedge 228 and is configured to be moved from a first position (e.g.,position and orientation of item 230 in FIG. 3) to a second position(e.g., position and orientation of item 232 in FIG. 5). Generally, thefirst position of the first engaging surface 226 corresponds to thefirst position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) of thet-component 200, while the second position of the first engaging surface226 corresponds to the second position (e.g., shape and position of item256 of FIG. 5) of the t-component 200. Likewise, the second engagingsurface 234 has a bottom edge 236 and is capable of being moved from afirst position (e.g., position and orientation of item 238 in FIG. 3) toa second position (e.g., position and orientation of item 240 in FIG.5). Generally, the first position of the second engaging surface 234corresponds to the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254in FIG. 3) of the t-component 200, while the second position of thesecond engaging surface 234 corresponds to the second position (e.g.,shape and position of item 256 of FIG. 5) of the t-component 200. In oneaspect, the first engaging surface 226 and the second engaging surface234 are closer to the sliding member 202 when the t-component 200 is inthe first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 of FIG. 3) thanwhen the t-component is in the second position (e.g., shape and positionof item 256 of FIG. 5).

In aspects, the top surface 222 of the cross member 220 and the firstengaging surface 226 define a first acute angle 242, while the topsurface 222 of the cross member 220 and the second engaging surface 234define a second acute angle 244. Similarly, the bottom surface 224 ofthe cross member 220 and the first engaging surface 226 define a firstobtuse angle 246, while the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220and the second engaging surface 234 define a second obtuse angle 248.The first acute angle 242, the second acute angle 244, the first obtuseangle 246, and the second obtuse angle 248 are defined when thet-component 200 is, at least, in the first position (e.g., shape andposition of item 254 in FIG. 3), but may persist when the t-component200 is moved from the first position (e.g., shape and position of item254 in FIG. 3) to the second position (e.g., shape and position of item256 in FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 2, the top end 210 of the sliding member 202 may beintegrally formed with at least a portion of the bottom surface 224 ofthe cross member 220, which causes the formation of a first angle 250and a second angle 252 between the sliding member 202 and the crossmember 220. In an aspect, the t-component 200 is adapted to increase thefirst angle 250 and the second angle 252 in response to an applicationof force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction ofsliding motion of the sliding member 202 from a first position to asecond position. In one aspect, the application of force to thet-component 200 is a manual force made by, for example, the wearer of agarment that utilizes the adjuster 100.

As mentioned, the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220 isintegrally formed with the top end 210 of the sliding member 202. In oneaspect, a position on the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220that is integrally formed with the top end 210 of the sliding member 202is equidistant from a bottom edge 228 of the first engaging surface 226and a bottom edge 236 of the second engaging surface 234 such that theposition of integration is in the middle of the cross member 220.

The channel body 300 comprises a first side surface 302, a second sidesurface 304, a top surface 306, and an opposite bottom surface 308. Thetop surface 306 of the channel body 300 comprises a recessed cavity 310that is adapted to receive the cross member 220. The recessed cavity 310provides for an opening into which at least a portion of the t-component200 can be inserted. For instance, when the t-component 200 is in afirst position, at least a substantial portion of the cross member 220may be outside of the recessed cavity 310, but when the t-component 200is in a second position, at least a substantial portion of the crossmember 220 may be positioned within the recessed cavity 310, which maybe effective for aligning two or more portions of components providedherein for effective slidability of a cord. The recessed cavity 310, inone aspect, extends from the top surface 306 of the channel body 300toward the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300.

The channel body 300 further comprises a sliding channel 320 having afirst side surface 322 and a second side surface 324. The distancebetween the first side surface 322 and the second side surface 324 ofthe sliding channel 320 is greater than the distance between the firstside surface 204 and the second side surface 206 of the sliding member202, which allows the sliding member 202 to be slidably engaged with thechannel body 300 within the sliding channel 320. Further, the bottomsurface 208 of the sliding member 202 is positionable closer to thebottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 isin the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 in FIG. 5)than when the t-component is in the first position (e.g., shape andposition of item 254 in FIG. 3). As previously mentioned, thet-component 200 is adapted to be moved from a first position to at leasta second position. For instance, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate thet-component 200 in a first position, while FIG. 5 illustrates thet-component 200 in an exemplary second position.

The channel body 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a first guidechannel 330 and a second guide channel 340. The first guide channel 330comprises a top surface 332 and an opposite bottom surface 338, andextends from the first side surface 302 of the channel body 300 towardthe sliding channel 320. The top surface 332 of the first guide channel330 has a first top edge 334 and a second top edge 336, the second topedge 336 being closer to the first side surface 322 of the slidingchannel 320 than the first top edge 334. The first top edge 334 may belocated on or near to the first side surface 302 of the channel body300. A first distance between the first top edge 334 of the first guidechannel 330 and perpendicular to the first bottom surface 335 is greaterthan a second distance between the second top edge 336 and perpendicularto the a second bottom surface 337 of the first guide channel 330.Distances between other top edges and bottom surfaces gradual decreasefrom the first distance to the second distance.

As mentioned, the channel body 300 also comprises a second guide channel340. The second guide channel 340 comprises a top surface 342 and anopposite bottom surface 348, and extends from the second side surface304 of the channel body 300 toward the sliding channel 320. The topsurface 342 of the second guide channel 340 has a first top edge 344 anda second top edge 346, the second top edge 346 being closer to thesecond side surface 324 of the sliding channel 320 than the first topedge 344. The first top edge 344 may be located on or near to the secondside surface 304 of the channel body 300. A first distance between thefirst top edge 344 of the second guide channel 340 and perpendicular tothe a first bottom surface 345 is greater than a second distance betweenthe second top edge 346 and perpendicular to the a second bottom surface347 of the second guide channel 340. The transition from the firstdistance to the second distance in both the first guide channel 330 andthe second guide channel 340 may be gradual, the transition from thefirst distance to the second distance in both the first guide channel330 and the second guide channel 340 may be stepwise, or the transitionfrom the first distance to the second distance in both the first guidechannel 330 and the second guide channel 340 may be a combination ofgradual and stepwise (as shown.)

The first guide channel 330, the pass-through channel 212, and thesecond guide channel 340 form a continuous channel when the t-componentis in the second position, as shown in FIG. 5 herein. As such, when theadjuster 100 is utilized for adjustment of an article using a cord, thecord is able to be moved in one or more directions when the t-componentis in the second position.

The channel body 300 further comprises a first crimp cavity 350 and asecond crimp cavity 360. The first crimp cavity 350 comprises a firstside surface 352 and an opposite second side surface 356 that isadjacent to the first side surface 204 of the sliding member 202. Thefirst side surface 352 of the first crimp cavity 350 has a bottom edge354 that is located nearer to the bottom surface 308 of the channel body300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass-through channel 212 when thet-component 200 is in the first position. Further, the bottom edge 354of the first crimp cavity 350 is located farther from the bottom surface308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface 214 of thepass-through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in the secondposition.

The second crimp cavity 360 comprises a first side surface 362 and anopposite second side surface 366 that is adjacent to the second sidesurface 206 of the sliding member 202. The first side surface 362 of thesecond crimp cavity 360 has a bottom edge 364 that is located nearer tothe bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface214 of the pass-through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in thefirst position. Further, the bottom edge 364 of the second crimp cavity360 is located farther from the bottom surface 308 of the channel body300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass-through channel 212 when thet-component 200 is in the second position.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, such as theadjuster 100 of FIG. 1, where the t-component 200 of the adjuster 100 isin a first position, in accordance with an aspect hereof. FIG. 3 isgenerally similar to FIG. 2, but illustrates the adjuster 100 with anexemplary cord 150. FIG. 3 illustrates the t-component 200 and thechannel body 300, in addition to other components that have beenpreviously discussed in relation to FIG. 2. As shown here, thet-component 200 is in a first position 254. Likewise, the first engagingsurface 226 and the second engaging surface 234 are both in a firstposition (e.g., position and orientation of items 230 and 238,respectively). In one aspect, and as shown here in FIG. 3, while thet-component 200 is in the first position 254, the cross member 220 isconvexly shaped.

As also described in relation to FIG. 2, the top end 210 of the slidingmember 202 is integrally formed with the bottom surface 224 of the crossmember 220, forming a first angle 250 and a second angle 252 between thesliding member 202 and the cross member 220. The t-component 200 isadapted to increase the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 inresponse to an application of force in a direction substantiallyparallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202when the t-component 200 is moved from a first position 254 to a secondposition (e.g., shape and position of item 256 in FIG. 5).

Additionally, the cord 150 is shown in FIG. 3 as being crimped, suchthat it may not be capable of being substantially moved in eitherlateral direction. This occurs because of the first crimp cavity 350 andthe second crimp cavity 360, and the first guide channel 330 and thesecond guide channel 340 being sized and thus adapted to hold the cord150 in place relative to the adjuster 100 so that an adjustment is notmade to the cord while the t-component 200 is in the first position, asshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, in accordance withan aspect hereof. The adjuster of FIG. 4 is similar to adjuster 100 ofFIG. 1 but illustrates the t-component 200 in a different position, aswill be described below. As shown in FIG. 4, the t-component 200 isbetween what is referred to herein as a first position (e.g., shape andposition of item 254 of FIG. 3) and a second position (e.g., shape andposition of item 256 of FIG. 5). As mentioned, the t-component 200 isadapted to be moved from a first position to a second position inresponse to, for example, an application of force in a directionsubstantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the slidingmember 202. FIG. 4 illustrates that an application of force in adirection substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion ofthe sliding member 202 has been applied to the cross member 220 of thet-component 200, thus resulting in the t-component 200 moving from thefirst position toward the second position. As shown, the t-component 200in this intermediary position, and in particular the cross member 220,is now at least partially within the recessed cavity 310 of the channelbody 300. As such, the cord 150 in FIG. 4 is less crimped than it is inFIG. 3, as the t-component 200 is moving from a first position to anintermediary position.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, in accordance withan aspect hereof. The adjuster in FIG. 5 is similar to adjuster 100 ofFIG. 1, but the t-component 200 is in a different position, as will bedescribed below. As mentioned, the t-component 200 as shown in FIG. 5 isin a second position 256. The second position 256 of the t-component 200also corresponds to the first engaging surface 226 being in a secondposition 232, in addition to the second engaging surface 234 being in asecond position 240. The movement of the t-component 200 from the firstposition (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to the secondposition 256 may result in the first engaging surface 226 and the secondengaging surface 234 being at least partially removed from the channelbody 300, as shown in FIG. 5. This may depend upon the type of material(e.g., flexibility of the material) used for the t-component 200.Further, when the t-component 200 is in the second position 256, thefirst guide channel 330, the pass-through channel 212, and the secondguide channel 340 form a continuous channel 370, which allows a cord,such as cord 150, to be moved in either lateral direction. In oneaspect, the cord 150 is substantially straight (e.g., linear in shape)while the t-component 200 is in the second position 256. In a furtheraspect, and as shown here in FIG. 5, the cross member 220 ispositionable to be concavely shaped while the t-component 200 is in thesecond position 256.

As mentioned above in reference to FIG. 2, the size of the channelopening for both the first guide channel 330 and the second guidechannel 340 is decreased from a first perimeter to a second perimetertoward the sliding channel 320. This particular configuration isadvantageous because the top edges 336 and 346 in cooperation with thesecond bottom surfaces 337 and 347 are able to interface with the cord150 to provide a frictional force to the cord so that the cord ispartially held in place while the t-component 200 is in the secondposition 256, while gradually freeing the cord 150 from the frictionalforce from the second top edges 336 and 346 to the first top edges 334and 344. In other words, the frictional force provided at a centerportion of the adjuster is enough to provide an improved controllabilityof the adjuster by preventing the cord 150 from sliding too fast, but isnot so great as to hold the cord 150 with such force that the ability ofthe cord 150 to slide through the channels 330, 212, and 340, iscompromised. The improved adjustability of the adjuster may additionallyallow for an improved fine-tuning of the position of the adjuster on thecord 150. While the improved controllability caused by the configurationof the sliding channel 320 described above is described in relation tothe t-component 200 being in the second position 256, other componentsother than a t-component could be used to provide the same improvedcontrollability of the movement of the cord. Other configurations of thet-component could be used to provide the same functionality as describedherein.

As mentioned in relation to FIG. 3, the top end 210 of the slidingmember 202 is integrally formed with the bottom surface 224 of the crossmember 220, forming a first angle 250 and a second angle 252 between thesliding member 202 and the cross member 220. The t-component 200 isadapted to increase the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 inresponse to an application of force in a direction substantiallyparallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202when the t-component 200 is moved from a first position (e.g., shape andposition of item 254 in FIG. 3) to a second position 256. FIG. 5illustrates the increase of the first angle 250 and the second angle 252when the t-component 200 is moved from the first position (e.g., shapeand position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to the second position 256.Additionally, the t-component 200 in the second position 256, and inparticular the cross member 220, is now substantially within therecessed cavity 310 of the channel body 300. In one aspect, a largerpart of the cross member 220 is located within the recessed cavity 310of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in the secondposition 256 than when the t-component 200 is in the first position(e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3).

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the adjuster 100 for adjusting alength of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. The t-component200 is illustrated, and particularly the cross member 220 having a topsurface 222. Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates the first side surface 302,the second side surface 304, and the top surface 306 of the channel body300.

FIG. 7 depicts a side elevational view of the adjuster 100 for adjustinga length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. This exemplaryside view of the adjuster 100 illustrates the first side surface 302 ofthe channel body 300 and the first guide channel 330. As mentioned, acord, such as the cord 150 referenced in FIGS. 3-5, may be placedthrough, at least, the first guide channel 330 and various componentsnot shown in FIG. 7 but shown in, for example, FIG. 2, including thefirst crimp cavity 350, the pass-through channel 212, the second crimpcavity 360, and the second guide channel 340. The cord may be used toadjust an opening (e.g., an ankle opening, a waist opening) by movingthe t-component 200 from the first position to the second position.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster for adjusting alength of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. In addition tothe adjuster 100, FIG. 8 illustrates a diameter 402 of a circle 400formed when the shape of the cross member 220 is continued to form thecircle 400. In aspects, the diameter 402 of the circle 400 increases asthe t-component 200 is moved from a first position toward a secondposition. During the t-component's 200 transition from the firstposition to the second position, the cross member 220 may becomesubstantially flat or linear, at which time the cross member 220 willtransition from a convex position to a concave position. When the crossmember 220 is in a concave position, the circle 400 would then be formedon the opposing side of the channel body 300. The diameter 402 of thecircle 400 would then begin to decrease as the transition of thet-component 200 to the second position continues.

The following listing of exemplary aspects supports and is supported bythe discussion provided herein. These specifically-listed aspects areexemplary in nature and not limiting as to the scope of featuresprovided herein.

Aspect 1

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, theadjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a slidingmember, the sliding member having a first side surface and an oppositesecond side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, thesliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surfaceand an opposite top surface, and a cross member, the cross member havinga top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engagingsurface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of thesliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the crossmember forming a first angle between the sliding member and the crossmember, the t-component is adapted to increase the first angle inresponse to an application of force in a direction substantiallyparallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from afirst position to a second position; and a channel body having a firstside surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and anopposite bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive thecross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of thechannel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body, the channelbody comprising a sliding channel having a first side surface and asecond side surface, a distance between the first side surface and thesecond side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distancebetween the first side surface and the second side surface of thesliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with thechannel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of thesliding member positionable closer to the bottom surface of the channelbody when the t-component is in the second position than when thet-component is in the first position, and a first guide channel having atop surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channelextending from the first side surface of the channel body to the slidingchannel.

Aspect 2

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top surface of the first guidechannel has a first top edge and a second top edge, the second top edgebeing closer to the first side surface of the sliding channel than thefirst top edge.

Aspect 3

The adjuster of aspect 2, wherein a distance between the first top edgeand perpendicular to the bottom surface is greater than a distancebetween the second top edge and perpendicular to the bottom surface.

Aspect 4

The adjuster of aspect 1, further comprising a first crimp cavity havinga first side surface and an opposite second side surface that isadjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a secondcrimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second sidesurface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the slidingmember.

Aspect 5

The adjuster of aspect 4, wherein the first side surface of the firstcrimp cavity having a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottomsurface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-throughchannel when the t-component is in the first position.

Aspect 6

The adjuster of aspect 5, wherein the bottom edge of the first crimpcavity located farther from the bottom surface of the channel body thanthe bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component isin the second position.

Aspect 7

The adjuster of aspect 1, further comprising a second guide channelhaving a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guidechannel extending from the second side surface of the channel body tothe sliding channel.

Aspect 8

The adjuster of aspect 7, wherein the first guide channel, thepass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuouschannel when the t-component is in the second position.

Aspect 9

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top surface of the cross member iscurved in a direction extending from the first engaging surface to thesecond engaging surface.

Aspect 10

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein when the t-component is in the firstposition, the cross member is convexly shaped, the cross member beingpositionable to be concavely shaped when in the second position.

Aspect 11

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top end of the sliding member isintegrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming asecond angle between the sliding member and the cross member, thet-component being adapted to increase the second angle in response tothe application of force in a direction substantially parallel with thedirection of sliding motion of the sliding member from the firstposition to the second position.

Aspect 12

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein a position on the bottom surface ofthe cross member that is integrally formed with the top end of thesliding member is equidistant from a bottom edge of the first engagingsurface and a bottom edge of the second engaging surface.

Aspect 13

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, theadjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a slidingmember, the sliding member having a first side surface and an oppositesecond side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, thesliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surfaceand an opposite top surface, a cross member, the cross member having atop surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surfaceand an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the slidingmember integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member,and the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position toa second position in response to an application of force in a directionsubstantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the slidingmember, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface beingadaptable to move from a first position corresponding to the firstposition of the t-component to a second position corresponding to thesecond position of the t-component, the first engaging surface and thesecond engaging surface being closer to the sliding member when thet-component is in the first position than when the t-component is in thesecond position; and a channel body having a first side surface and anopposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, thechannel body comprising a sliding channel having a first side surfaceand a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface andthe second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than adistance between the first side surface and the second side surface ofthe sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged withthe channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of thesliding member positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channelbody when the t-component is in the second position than when thet-component is in the first position, and a first guide channel, thefirst guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface,the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of thechannel body to the sliding channel.

Aspect 14

The adjuster of aspect 13, further comprising a second guide channelhaving a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guidechannel extending from the second side surface of the channel body tothe sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-throughchannel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when thet-component is in the second position.

Aspect 15

The adjuster of aspect 13, further comprising a first crimp cavityhaving a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that isadjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a secondcrimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second sidesurface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the slidingmember.

Aspect 16

The adjuster of aspect 15, wherein the first side surface of the firstcrimp cavity has a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottomsurface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-throughchannel when the t-component is in the first position.

Aspect 17

The adapter of aspect 13, the channel body further comprising a recessedcavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavityextending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottomsurface of the channel body.

Aspect 18

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, theadjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a slidingmember, the sliding member having a first side surface and an oppositesecond side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, thesliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surfaceand an opposite top surface, a cross member, the cross member having atop surface and an opposite bottom surface and a first engaging surfaceand an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the slidingmember integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member,and the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position toa second position in response to an application of force in a directionsubstantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the slidingmember, the cross member being convexly shaped when the t-component isin the first position, and the cross member being adapted to beconcavely shaped when the t-component is in the second position; and achannel body having a first side surface and an opposite second sidesurface, a top surface and a bottom surface, and a recessed cavityadapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending fromthe top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of thechannel body, the channel body comprising a sliding channel having afirst side surface and a second side surface, a distance between thefirst side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channelbeing greater than a distance between the first side surface and thesecond side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding memberis slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel,the bottom surface of the sliding member positioned closer to the bottomsurface of the channel body when the t-component is in the secondposition than when the t-component is in the first position, and a firstguide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, thefirst guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channelbody to the sliding channel.

Aspect 19

The adjuster of aspect 18, further comprising a second guide channelhaving a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guidechannel extending from the second side surface of the channel body tothe sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-throughchannel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when thet-component is in the second position.

Aspect 20

The adjuster of aspect 18, the top surface of the cross member and thefirst engaging surface defining a first acute angle, the top surface ofthe cross member and the second engaging surface defining a second acuteangle, the bottom surface of the cross member and the first engagingsurface defining a first obtuse angle, and the bottom surface of thecross member and the second engaging surface defining a second obtuseangle.

While exemplary aspects are provided herein with a focus onimplementation in connection with an article of clothing or otherwearable articles, it is understood that features specifically and theconcept generally may be applied to a variety of implementations. Assuch, it is contemplated that the illustrated examples directed to anarticle of clothing or other wearable articles may not be limiting butmerely exemplary in nature in some aspects.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope hereof. Aspects hereof have been described with the intent tobe illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope.A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing theaforementioned improvements without departing from the scope hereof.

While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to oneanother, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided hereinis contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or stepsregardless of explicit provision of the same while still being withinthe scope provided herein. Since many possible aspects may be made ofthe disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising: a t-component, the t-component comprising: (A) a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, and (B) a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming a first angle between the sliding member and the cross member, the t-component is adapted to increase the first angle in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from a first position to a second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body, the channel body comprising: (A) a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positionable closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position, and (B) a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.
 2. The adjuster of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the first guide channel has a first top edge and a second top edge, the second top edge being closer to the first side surface of the sliding channel than the first top edge.
 3. The adjuster of claim 2, wherein a distance between the first top edge and perpendicular to the bottom surface is greater than a distance between the second top edge and perpendicular to the bottom surface.
 4. The adjuster of claim 1, further comprising: a first crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a second crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the sliding member.
 5. The adjuster of claim 4, wherein the first side surface of the first crimp cavity has a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the first position.
 6. The adjuster of claim 5, wherein the bottom edge of the first crimp cavity is located farther from the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the second position.
 7. The adjuster of claim 1, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.
 8. The adjuster of claim 7, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.
 9. The adjuster of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the cross member is curved in a direction extending from the first engaging surface to the second engaging surface.
 10. The adjuster of claim 1, wherein when the t-component is in the first position, the cross member is convexly shaped, the cross member being positionable to be concavely shaped when in the second position.
 11. The adjuster of claim 1, wherein the top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming a second angle between the sliding member and the cross member, the t-component being adapted to increase the second angle in response to the application of force in a direction substantially parallel with the direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from the first position to the second position.
 12. The adjuster of claim 1, wherein a position on the bottom surface of the cross member that is integrally formed with the top end of the sliding member is equidistant from a bottom edge of the first engaging surface and a bottom edge of the second engaging surface.
 13. An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising: a t-component, the t-component comprising: (A) a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, (B) a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member, and (C) the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface being adaptable to move from a first position corresponding to the first position of the t-component to a second position corresponding to the second position of the t-component, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface being closer to the sliding member when the t-component is in the first position than when the t-component is in the second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, the channel body comprising: (A) a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position, and (B) a first guide channel, the first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.
 14. The adjuster of claim 13, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.
 15. The adjuster of claim 13, further comprising: a first crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a second crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the sliding member.
 16. The adjuster of claim 15, wherein the first side surface of the first crimp cavity has a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the first position.
 17. The adapter of claim 13, the channel body further comprising a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body.
 18. An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising: a t-component, the t-component comprising: (A) a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, (B) a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member, and (C) the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member, the cross member being convexly shaped when the t-component is in the first position, and the cross member being adapted to be concavely shaped when the t-component is in the second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body, the channel body comprising: (A) a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position, and (B) a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.
 19. The adjuster of claim 18, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.
 20. The adjuster of claim 18, the top surface of the cross member and the first engaging surface defining a first acute angle, the top surface of the cross member and the second engaging surface defining a second acute angle, the bottom surface of the cross member and the first engaging surface defining a first obtuse angle, and the bottom surface of the cross member and the second engaging surface defining a second obtuse angle. 